Sophie Farran

What is your current role?

I’m a newly qualified Diagnostic Radiographer at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

What did you do before?

Having had a false start with degree level education in my early 20’s, I really believed that a degree wasn’t for me. However, when I underwent imaging for a seemingly mystery illness, I began to develop an interest in radiography. I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, the arthritic condition linked to the skin form of psoriasis that I had been diagnosed with in childhood. My diagnosis meant I had many more experiences in the imaging department over the next few years. As a result of this, I became fascinated by the images that were produced. I was also extremely impressed by the professionalism and compassion demonstrated by the radiographers that cared for me. I subsequently went on to have a family, but my regular episodes of imaging maintained my interest and I finally decided that if I really wanted a career in radiography, it was time to do something about it.

How has your previous experience and development helped?

I began researching what was required for degree entry into radiography and initially enrolled on a college-based access to HE (social sciences) course. After beginning this, I began to feel that I needed something with more science content, so I changed to an online access to HE (science) course that was radiography focussed. Being online meant that I could fit my studies around caring for my child and supporting her in her transition from primary to secondary school. I also arranged work experience placements for myself before applying to university via UCAS.

In 2018, at the age of 39, I was accepted onto the BSc Diagnostic Radiography programme at Bangor University. Whilst studying for my degree, there were several challenges, not least the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the immuno-suppressant medications needed to treat my psoriatic arthritis, I was placed in the clinically extremely vulnerable category and had to take 20 months out of clinical placement.

In November 2021 I was able to return to clinical placement and was placed at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Having time out from my studies significantly impacted my learning, but I worked hard to overcome this. In December 2021 I applied for a Band 5 Radiographer post at my placement site and in early 2022 I was thrilled to be successful at interview and be offered the job. After completing my degree, achieving first class honours, I began working at the hospital in June 2022. I initially worked as an assistant practitioner whilst awaiting my HCPC registration. This allowed me to make the transition from student to practitioner more gradually, whilst being able to start the process of completing my preceptorship. Once HCPC registration was received I moved into my band 5 role and continue to complete my preceptorship.

What support have you had?

During my first placement as a student, I was unfortunate to encounter some negative experiences. However, I received excellent support from the Society of Radiographers student support officers and local representative. I was also fully supported by my lecturers at Bangor University and given the skills and confidence to overcome the situation. When I returned to my studies, and to a new placement site, I was very fortunate to receive a huge amount of support and encouragement from the staff and my clinical tutor at the Countess of Chester Hospital. This support was instrumental in my success in completing my degree and it has inspired me to always try to achieve the very best standard I can whilst being kind and patient in the process. Over the coming years I hope to remain within projectional radiography and develop my skills and knowledge to a high level, with the aim of passing on my knowledge to others and supporting students within the department.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The most rewarding thing is making a difference to the patients that I image. This might be something as simple as giving a cold patient a blanket to keep them warm or holding someone’s hand because they are afraid, or be more challenging, such as completing imaging examinations on seriously ill patients with the aim of aiding their diagnosis. Knowing that I have done my very best for my patients is very important to me.

What advice would you give other people in a similar position?

Try to gain some work experience within an imaging department; there was much more to radiography than I had realised as a patient. An online access course is a good pathway into a degree. It proves that you can manage your time efficiently and motivate yourself to complete work, which are important when studying towards a degree. Completing a radiography degree can be challenging when compared to other degree courses. You will be studying and attending clinical placement at the same time, so it takes up much more time than many other degrees do. Finally, I would say you are not too old! Your age, life skills and experience are an asset not a hindrance.